The advantage of paying your dues

Some coaches come to college directly from the pros or other parts. However, most of them serve their time as assistant coaches, many for several years under several different coaches. There is a big advantage in this system both to them and to the schools who will eventually hire them as head coaches. They get a broad perspective of philosophies and coaching styles. They get to observe coaching mistakes up close and ugly, and also to benchmark those things that work. Prospective employers get a track record of their personalities and work ethic.